Introduction

Note: Nothing in this standard supercedes applicable laws and regulations.

Note: In the event of conflict between the English and domestic language, the English language shall take precedence.

Purpose. The purpose of this specification is to provide acceptance criteria for laser lap welds in automotive products for which General Motors is responsible for establishing or approving product design.

Applicability. The criteria established in this standard becomes mandatory when referenced on a product design document. Deviations from the acceptance criteria provided in this standard must be identified on a weld design document, an approved Product Quality Standard (PQS) or specific product/program supplement.

Remarks. Welds are considered satisfactory when they carry the intended or expected service loads for a required period. Service loads on weldments in a vehicle are varied in both type and magnitude and cannot be addressed by this specification; therefore, while the weld quality criteria of this specification are consistent with service loading requirements, they have been established based on the use of process and product monitoring. Any attempted application of this document to other uses, such as post-crash weld quality assessment, may lead to an erroneous result or conclusion. Discrepant laser welds often retain some of their engineering properties and may contribute to the integrity of the assembly.

Clarification. For clarification of this standard or editorial comments, e-mail the GM Weld Council at [email protected].

Proposed changes to this standard must be presented to the Weld Council. To suggest a change to this standard, reference the "Procedure for Weld Standard Changes" on the Global Weld Council's web page.